Newborn acne: what it looks like, when it goes away and whether it needs to be treated at all

What is neonatal acne?

Neonatal acne, or neonatal pustulosis, is a common skin condition in a newborn baby that is not a disease and goes away on its own. Rashes can appear as early as the second or third week of life, and some babies are even born with a mild form of childhood acne.

Infantile acne manifests itself in the form of red bumps, papules and pustules (small pustules) on the forehead, cheeks, chin, less often on the neck and back and does not cause discomfort to the baby – unlike an allergic reaction, which can spread throughout the body and causes itching. Rashes on the face of a newborn may resemble atopic dermatitis at an early stage, because it also begins with the face, but much later – only at 2-3 months of age, and instead of small rashes, “diathesis” is characterized by itching, large foci and crusts, which then appear on other parts of the body.

It is important for parents to know why this condition occurs and up to what age it is considered normal.

Causes of baby acne

The main cause of acne in babies is the influence of the mother’s sex hormones, which are actively produced during pregnancy and affect the child both during fetal development and in the first months of life. The following are the factors that aggravate rashes on the face of a newborn. Try to avoid them for prevention or when rashes still appear so as not to worsen the condition of the baby’s skin:

• Contact with milk, milk formula and saliva on the skin;
• Tears of a baby;
• Rubbing of the skin on clothes, especially with too coarse or synthetic fabrics;
• Remains of washing powder or soap on clothes;
• Overheating and sweat.

Should newborn acne be treated?

Acne in newborns as a physiological feature does not require special treatment. If the baby spilled out, follow the following rules:

• In no case do not pierce or squeeze out the rashes – pollution can get into the wound and lead to an inflammatory process;
• Do not rub the affected areas with a towel, pat gently;
• If possible, do not use cosmetics on the face. If the baby has a rash, do not smear it with lotion, cream or oil;
• Put on special mittens for your baby so that he does not scratch himself.

Newborn acne, with the right approach, disappears without a trace on its own in a fairly short time – from several weeks to 3 months. At the same time, delicate baby skin needs daily care and adherence to the basic principles of hygiene:  

1. Bathe your baby at the frequency recommended by the pediatrician. Bathing too often can lead to dry skin, and too infrequent bathing can lead to the accumulation of microbes in the folds, which is critical, especially if acne is localized, including on the neck and back. Listening to the recommendations of the pediatrician is the surest way to determine how often you need to bathe your baby.

2. Use mild cleansers Bathe your baby with detergent should be no more than 1-2 times a week. We recommend choosing formulas that help gently cleanse delicate baby skin and remove impurities without overdrying. So, Lipikar Oil AP+, a lipid-replenishing emollient bath and shower oil for children and adults, contains a patented component, Aqua Poze Filiformis, which helps to restore the skin microbiome. Shea butter helps to strengthen the protective barrier, soothes, gives a feeling of comfort and keeps the skin hydrated for a long time.

For very sensitive skin, pay attention to the CICAPLAST LAVANT B5 cleansing gel. The ultra-soft* formula contains panthenol to help soothe dry and irritated areas, and a copper, zinc and manganese complex with antibacterial properties. Does not contain soap and fragrances.

*among La Roche-Posay products

3. Follow the bathing algorithm The water temperature for baby bathing is about 37°C. Use a thermometer to check, as a difference of only 1-2 degrees can be critical for baby’s delicate skin. The procedure itself should not last long, 10 minutes is enough.

First of all, they clean the head and face, and lastly, the perineal area. After bathing, gently pat your skin dry with a towel without rubbing. Do not allow a sharp temperature difference between the bathroom and the room so that the baby does not freeze.

4. Moisturize your skin  On clean, dry skin, apply a special baby moisturizer, such as Lipikar Lait Milk for Dry to Very Dry Skin of Babies, Children and Adults with Shea Butter, La Roche-Posay Thermal Water and Niacinamide. The hypoallergenic formula provides long-lasting comfort even to very dry, sensitive and delicate skin. Try different types of moisturizing products to find the right one for your baby.

5. Use repair products if necessary CICAPLAST BALM B5 is a soothing multi-repairing skin treatment for infants, children and adults that improves the skin’s repair process and contains a mineral complex with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. The formula of the product will protect the skin from the growth of bacteria and the occurrence of inflammation.

6. Trim your nails regularly Babies have very sharp nails that can easily damage areas affected by childhood acne and slow down the healing process. You can start cutting your nails already 10-14 days after giving birth, and it is easiest to do this after bathing, when they are soft and steamed. Use children’s scissors with rounded ends, pre-treated with alcohol. On the hands, cut the nails in the shape of a semicircle, and on the legs – in a straight line so that the corners do not grow. Repeat every 5-7 days.

7. Practice air baths Clothes, diapers, and gloves can cause rotting skin, so it’s important to give your baby some air baths from time to time. Such procedures accelerate adaptation to the environment after 9 months in the womb and strengthen the immune system, increasing resistance to pathogens, normalize metabolism and improve sleep. Start with 1-2 minutes every day and gradually increase the time to an hour during the hot season. Winter is not a reason to refuse air baths, it is enough to reduce the duration.

If you find infantile acne in your baby, you should not treat it yourself. You should seek the advice of a pediatrician who will help draw up tactics for caring for the child’s skin.

When does acne in newborns go away?

Normally, pimples go away on their own by the age of four months without scarring, but it may take up to 6 months for the skin to clear of papules. The main thing is to remain calm and remember that this is only a cosmetic problem, and the rash is harmless to the baby. However, if they increase in size and, in addition to the head, appear on the chest or on the body, you should consult a doctor – he will tell you what is happening to the skin and how to treat it.